Carole Sandra (Wilson) Gadway July 12, 1944 – April 29, 2025

Carole Sandra (Wilson) Gadway passed away April 29, 2025, in Granville, NY, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to her faith and community.

Born July 12, 1944, at Glens Falls Hospital to Marian Doris (Wilson) Fleming and Louis Denzil Fleming, Carole was adopted by her Uncle Merle Thomas Wilson and his wife Geneva Alida (Clayton) Wilson. She grew up in Hudson Falls, NY, in a home filled with learning. Her mother, Geneva, was a schoolteacher and taught Carole to read at an early age. By the time she was four, books and magazines were her constant companions. She brought that same love of reading to her own children, ensuring they each had a library card and made frequent trips to the Hudson Falls Free Library.

Carole's education was deeply rooted in her Seventh-day Adventist faith. She attended the local church school through ninth grade and later spent her sophomore year at Union Springs Academy. When her mother fell ill, Carole returned home to spend time with her mom and she completed her junior year with the support of local church school teachers, fellow church members, and family friends. She then moved to South Lancaster, MA, for her senior year where she lived with her Aunt Marian (her biological mother) and graduated from South Lancaster Academy.

On July 15, 1962, she married Arthur Edward Gadway, and together they had three children: Cindy, Victor, and Bonnie. She and Arthur later divorced.

Carole was a gifted musician who played the piano and served as a church pianist for many years. She had a love for singing—her soprano voice graced many choirs, solo performances, and special occasions. Her laughter, unmistakably loud and full of life, was a trait cherished by those who knew her.

As a Literature Evangelist, Carole spent many years selling books and magazines for the New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, sharing her faith through the written word. She deeply valued her church community, offering rides to services and events to those in need. Her thoughtfulness extended beyond church walls. Carole liked children and welcomed those who needed extra love and a sense of belonging. She often included them in family activities despite her modest means.

Animals brought Carole great joy. She found comfort in having a cat or small dog curled up on her lap and she encouraged her children to learn the responsibilities of caring for pets. Their household frequently welcomed fish, hamsters, turtles, cats, and dogs. This passion was extended beyond the family pets to orphaned and injured birds, salamanders, polliwogs, spiders, and a praying mantis. Her children once successfully bandaged a wounded toad. Carole was thrilled with the opportunity to take her children to the Catskill Game Farm.

Carole's life was not without challenges. In her late 40s, she was diagnosed with a bipolar disorder, a revelation that helped her and her family and friends better understand the struggles she had faced for years. With counseling and medication, she found stability, often crediting her treatment with saving her life.

Carole is survived by her former husband, Arthur Edward Gadway of South Glens Falls, NY, children: Cynthia Anne Gadway (Karson Kiesinger) of Bennington, VT, Victor Clark Gadway of Granville, NY, and Bonnie Lynn Foote (John Foote) of Fort Ann, NY, grandchildren: John Zachary Foote II of Fort Ann, NY, and James Edward Foote (Paige Foote) of Whitehall, NY, and twin great-grandchildren: Warren James Foote and Maxine Olivia Foote, both of Whitehall, NY.

A private gathering will be held at the convenience of her family, with interment at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to Robert M. King Funeral Home, Granville, NY.

Carole will be remembered for her faith, love of music and books, generosity to those in need, and a spirit that, despite its struggles, shone brightly. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched.